If you are using a vitamin C serum as part of your skincare routine, you may be wondering about what to use with vitamin C serum to get the best results. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help brighten skin, reduce signs of aging, and protect against environmental damage. However, to maximize its benefits, it's important to pair it with the right complementary products. Here are the top 5 products to use with your vitamin C serum:
What To Use with Vitamin C Serum?
1)Vitamin C + Sunscreen for Extra Sun Protection
While vitamin C is effective in preventing sun damage, it should not replace your daily sunscreen. Combining them provides enhanced UV protection, with vitamin C boosting the effectiveness of your SPF and sunscreen preventing the oxidation of vitamin C, thereby enhancing its efficacy.
2) Vitamin C + Vitamin E Serum for Free Radical Protection
Vitamin C and Vitamin E form a powerful duo in combating harmful sun damage, offering natural protection. Both are antioxidants that guard against free radicals. Additionally, Vitamin E serves as a hydrating agent, drawing and retaining moisture in the skin. This combination addresses various skin issues, from hydration and healing to overall protection.
3) Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Ultimate Hydration
Hyaluronic acid is renowned for its exceptional ability to bind water, imparting a plump, glowing, and healthy appearance to your skin. “It’s an excellent humectant that rehydrates the skin,” says Boakye. For those with super-sensitive skin, hyaluronic acid can provide a soothing effect when used alongside actives like vitamin C.
Although vitamin C is generally compatible with most skin types, it can sometimes cause dryness and scaliness, leading to inflammation. Hyaluronic acid helps by drawing water to the skin, making the combination feel more calming and rejuvenating.
4) Vitamin C + Retinol Serum for Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Due to retinol's strength, experts often recommend using it separately from vitamin C, especially L-ascorbic acid, to avoid irritation. It’s suggested to apply vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night because L-ascorbic acid is water-soluble, whereas retinol is oil-soluble, causing them to repel each other when used together, explains Craig Starling, education and training manager at Sunday Riley.
When used thoughtfully together, retinol promotes new skin cells to the surface, while vitamin C provides an antioxidant shield, helping to prevent premature aging and resulting in a radiant, youthful complexion.
5) Vitamin C + Moisturizer
No matter what other products you use, it's crucial to follow up your vitamin C serum with a moisturizer suited to your skin type. A good moisturizer will seal in the benefits of your serum and create a protective barrier for your skin. Look for a moisturizer with hydrating ingredients like ceramides or glycerin.
The Takeaway
Using the vitamin C serum recommended by dermatologists in India is an excellent way to boost your skin's radiance and combat signs of aging and environmental stressors. However, to truly maximize the benefits of vitamin C, it's important to pair it with complementary products that enhance its effects and protect your skin. From sunscreen and vitamin E to hyaluronic acid, retinol, and a high-quality moisturizer, incorporating the right combination of ‘what to use with vitamin C serum’ can take your skincare routine to the next level. By layering these synergistic products, you'll experience brighter, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin while providing your complexion with the antioxidant protection it needs to stay healthy and glowing.
Dr Manisha Bindal is the senior dermatologist and laser skin expert with more than 25 yrs of experience in clinical practice. She has to her credit various advanced skin care procedures and Laser skin treatment protocols including chemical peels, fillers, threads and injections. You can trust the expert hands for any skin or hair related problems or any procedure if need be.